An open letter to those who will lead the global church in 2050.

Just as Jesus is betrayed by a close follower and handed over to unjust powers, Ukraine has faced aggression from a neighbouring nation with deep historical ties.

South Korea is widely recognized as one of the most important mission forces in the contemporary period.

Carolina Bueno, of the Spanish evangelical federation, says “zero tolerance” means that churches “must denounce and act” when there are signs of possible abuse. But such cases are “exceptional and not representative”, she clarifies.

The response to abuse in the context of evangelical churches “must be empathetic, firm, focused on the restoration of the damaged, not the prestige of a church institution”, says Marcos Zapata, president of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance.

The increase in young men is fivefold, and 37% of all those under 24 say they are curious about the Bible. The YouGov study points to a steady decline in nominal Christianity but faith is becoming “even culturally attractive”.

The mainline Lutheran Church in the southern region says the church has been “guilty” of “intrusion into private life with coercive consequences for life courses”. LGBTQI couples will now have full wedding ceremonies.

As Christians, should we allow ourselves to be influenced by the world’s perspective or should we embrace God’s perspective on disability?

The rise in political and church conflicts globally makes responding graciously even more important for Christians.

“This is a time of increased restrictions for the church in China, perhaps the worst in the last 40 years. But it’s also an important time of maturation”, says Brent Fulton, founder of ChinaSource.

The worship places, located in the same district, are affected by metropolitan reorganisation plans. Evangelical leaders will meet with local authorities to seek a solution. “Freedom of worship is a fundamental right”, they say.

“We want to thank our brothers and sisters for their prayers and concern. We feel comforted and not isolated”, say local Christians. An article by Open Doors UK & Ireland.

Diasporas offer us the chance to reach and mobilise individuals from diverse cultures, enabling them to become active agents in global missionary work.

After a first drone damaged the Emmanuil church at night, a second explosion killed a father and his 5-year-old daughter, leaving the mother hospitalised. The family was involved in Christian ministry and had fled eastern Ukraine.

Church planting and revitalisation, media, theology, charitable work, and ministry to younger generations were some of the topics addressed by participants from countries such as Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Ukraine.

I recommend the Seoul Statement to a wide readership, It presents in a concise way an approach to mission that has the potential to bring together theologians and practitioners. 

“We must assume that everything that’s in the news, or even on social media, will be seen by governments and other armed groups. And that can have terrible repercussions on the Christian population”, says an Open Doors representative in the Middle East.

The consequences of neglecting our responsibility to each other and our shared home are no longer distant, they are here now, and the church cannot wait any longer to act. 

Research at European Union level warns that there are many citizens who feel involuntarily isolated. Psychologist Josep Araguàs points to technology and the ageing of the population and emphasises the relational role of churches.

The 4th century began with a period of tolerance towards Christianity, but was soon overshadowed by intense repression. However, it ended with a Christianized Empire. How did this process unfold? A historical summary on the 1,700th anniversary.

Christians who go to church and read the Bible at least once a week give 11% of their income to charity, compared to 2% of the rest of population. “A commitment to a Christian faith doesn’t preclude supporting causes that are not explicitly driven by faith”, the survey finds.

The theme of the 20th congress was ‘Momentum. Culminating the mission’, which emphasised the need to imitate the character and integrity of Jesus Christ in the face of the pressures and temptations of Christian ministry.

L4 deepened my understanding of global perspectives and the greatest priorities for advancing global mission: intergenerational leadership, discipleship, and justice.

It is estimated that 100 children and young people suffered  ‘physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual trauma’ over a period of 40 years, according to the Makin review.

‘Firm and secure anchor’ was the theme of the events held in the cities of Albacete and Oviedo.